Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. Rock Hall. 15 Small Towns in Virginia for a Relaxing Weekend Getaway Middleburg is a popular town in Virginia that is located in Loudoun County. 6. Best Places to Live or Retire in Virginia - VA Cities & Regions And its no wonder. In fact, out of a list of 300 of the most populated cities in the, Read More The 20 Safest Places to Live in MarylandContinue, South Africa is unquestionably one of the most beautiful countries in the world. So you're unlikely to get bored while enjoying your golden years . Virginia Beach is a city in Virginia with a population of 457,658. Founded in 1632, the town of Williamsburg has the kind of uniquely charming historic town center you could wander for hours without getting bored. Cape May, New Jersey. Here's how it ranked in each category: Affordability: 140 Weather: 147 Safety: 144 Economy: 156 Education and health: 95 Quality of. Virginia Beach offers well, beaches. Required fields are marked *. The 12 Best Small Towns in Virginia to Add to Your Travel List The downtown area has lots of local shops carrying everything from handcrafted jewelry to homemade ice cream. This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. North Carolina vs Virginia Beach, Virginia Change Places . Welcome to Virginia Beach. Eastern Shore. Hello, everyone who enjoys and appreciates our USA, the coastal VA rugged life style and its rich history 15 Best Places to Live in Virginia - The Crazy Tourist Come Visit! It has a first-class school system, with Chantilly High School, Centreville High School, Fairfax High School, and Westfield High School all scoring an A+ under Niches assessment criteria. The sculptures are a fun way to decorate the city while also honoring its maritime roots. This riverside town may have a population of less than 1,000, but it does not fall short of charm. Cape Hatteras. Visit former Native American villages, kayak to local wineries, and go sailing. Next to my home in West Virginia, Wachapreague is my favorite place! You simply cant go wrong with Onancock. Beach lovers looking for the best cities to live in Virginia will likely gravitate toward Virginia Beach. Local tip: Summer means root-beer floats at Durding's Store (5742 N. Main St.; 410-778-7957), an old-time ice-cream parlor in a building that dates to the 1870s. Virginia's small towns, unique cities, and notable neighborhoods are treasure troves of great food, warm hospitality, immense history, and Southern charm. The town has a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and families alike. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. Affordability: The cost of living is low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. Jump in your car and drive 137 miles Southeast of Richmond and youll find another city in Virginia. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. Emerald Isle. Or folks can go inland a block or two and save big bucks on a beach. This makes it a fabulous place to live, visit and vacation with all its small towns and cities offering up something new, old and interesting to enjoy. History and culture make Roanoke a great location for your Virginia state retirement. Today, the town is filled with stunning Victorian-era homes and local boutique shops. They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs. The waterfront region is one of the best-kept secrets in the Commonwealth, boasting gorgeous beaches, incredible wildlife, and serene communities that welcome visitors to discover their quiet charm. A small Atlantic island tucked away on the northeastern corner of Virginias Eastern Shore, Chincoteague is best known for the wild ponies found in the bordering Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Colonial Beach is one of the best beach towns in Virginia. The cost of living is also low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. Weve said it before and well say it again. 25 Affordable Beach Towns Where You Can Retire - MoneyWise Best Waterfront Communities in Virginia - PrivateCommunities.com 4. Named by Southern Living as one of the best North Carolina beach towns, Beaufort is a small, charming harbor town with a list of perks a mile long. Situated right at the top of Virginia and bordering the Potomac River, which separates it from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is one of the most historical cities in the state. Its transforming. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any decisions based on your own personal circumstances. With relatively low taxes, a moderate climate, plenty of beaches, and easy access to much of the East Coast, Virginia is a great place to retire or raise a family. Edenton Edenton | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. Numbers 1 and 2 don't require much explanation - the population and dates speak for themselves. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Official Tourism Blog Of The Commonwealth Of VirginiaCopyright 2023 Virginia Tourism Corporation, 901 E. Cary St., Suite 900, Richmond, Va 23219. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Whether you're a history buff, art collector, wine enthusiast, beer aficionado, hiking lover, ghost hunter, bargain shopper, or anything in between, you'll find that Virginia has exactly what you're looking for. The houses and neighborhoods are beautiful, the people are friendly, and its wonderful to have such good neighbors. To narrow down the most family friendly cities in Virginia, we looked at several factors: crime, education, family friendly activities and percent of households that currently have children. It was known traditionally as the US Horse and Hunt Capital as it played an active role in steeplechases, foxhunting, and had large estates. The first state to be settled in 1607, Virginia has a rich history, culture and heritage to delve into lots of spellbinding scenery. With excellent public amenities, a host of groups and organizations to join, a cost of living 7% below the national average, low-cost housing, a temperate climate, and some of the lowest crime numbers in the States, theres every reason in the world to understand why this quaint mountain town made it to Forbes Best Places to Retire for three years in a trot. Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore, Meetings & Conventions, Travel Ideas / March 2, 2018 by Patricia Keppel / 23 Comments. Here are our top picks for livability in this beautiful state. The close-knit residents of this easy-going town are known for their community spirit, which is out on full display every year at the charmingly quirky Herndon Festival. The best neighborhoods to live in Alexandria include those listed below: Taylor Run (Average Home Value: $275,000 to $1+ million) Taylor Run is an attractive area for families and young professionals with parks, restaurants, and coffee shops. Why its one of the best places to live in Virginia: The scenery: Roanoke is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are absolutely stunning. More interested in shopping? Virginia Beach 3,092 Beaches By JustCho2 Our first sell on Virginia Beach is that it sports over 38 miles of coastline. Here are the best places to live in Virginia. But when you think of America's great beach towns, like the Hamptons, Miami, Malibu, Hilton Head, among many others, we get snapped right back into reality rather quickly the cost of living in these spectacular beach towns is pretty darn high! The List: Best Places to Live in Virginia Most Recommended By Experts 1. Population. Granted, Richmond may not be the best for families or seniors, but if youre an up and coming member of Generation Y, youll find its vibrant nightlife, affordable housing, excellent job prospects (at the last count, the city was home to 8 Fortune 500 companies, while the government, finance, and higher education sectors all offer some exceptional job prospects), stunning parks and excellent transportation network combine to make a very attractive proposition indeed. Everything you need to know about moving to a new state. Number 1: it's one of the newest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. The town combines history with big-city life, bringing buildings from the 1700s together with shopping and dining. 18 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. The poverty rate may be slightly higher than some of our other entries (although at 8.0%, its still lower than the national average), but with a low unemployment rate of 5.3%, a median income of $70,500, and a median home value of $267,300, its fair to say the majority of residents are in no danger of feeling the pinch any time soon. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities for Arlington residents. Fancy moving into one of Fairfax countys most desirable hot spots? With 6 million people spread across 12,400 square miles, Maryland is one of the least congested states you can find. 14 Chincoteague. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. Connecticut has 96 miles (618 miles according to the NOAA) of idyllic New England shoreline, complete with small islands, lighthouses, and top East Coast beach towns. Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife. Where to Stay/Eat: Stay in the downtown area at the Hotel Cape Charlesor The Bay Haven Inn and get a taste of the local seafood at either The Shanty or the Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery, followed by a little dessert at Brown Dog Ice Cream. Its becoming something new. Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions youll make for yourself and your family. #40 and #42. But, more than this, Richmond is for young professionals too with 7 fortunate 500 companies headquartered there, the opportunity for career growth is endless. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. Live everyday like you're on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. If you need any more convincing as to why this suburb of Arlington deserves a place on our list, why not try its low crime rate, excellent walkability, and abundance of local amenities for size? In Virginia Beach there are a lot of restaurants, coffee . First settled in the 1700s, Chincoteague gained the spotlight in the late 1940s with the publication of Misty of Chincoteague, a story about one of the islands now-famous wild ponies. Its a short drive to Washington DC, and public transit is available. The city known for being one of the most historical places in the United States its actually among one of our countrys oldest major cities is now taking on a completely new face. Between Richmonds aesthetic and agreeable weather, it has quickly become a hotspot for millennials looking to escape the big city life without missing out on big city opportunity. The Hotel Cape Charles on Main Street innCape Charles is dog friendly and a great spot! http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia Also, Inn and Garden Cafe is closed. As well as enjoying a median home value of $537,900 and a median household income of $93,370, the towns 154,710 lucky residents get to enjoy an abundance of stunning historic neighborhoods to wander, some great shopping opportunities, and a plethora of cultural activities for the whole family to enjoy. Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The Inn at Onancock loves dogs, and your pup can meet the resident, Dante, the friendly Shepherd. At first glance, Richmond has the perfect canvas to be an amazing city. These watermen have been working the rich waters of the Chesapeake Bay for generations, and their deep roots are apparent in the unique dialect spoken on the island, a form of English not heard anywhere else in the world. Best North Carolina Beaches. The history: Alexandria is home to some of the most historical sites in the state, including George Washingtons birthplace and Mount Vernon, the home of Americas first president. Ocean View Beach, Norfolk, VA. 1. Virginia Beach, Virginia. Gordon Bell / Shutterstock. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. Perhaps one of the most obvious is that you can thrive in a great city while also being just a 30-minute drive away from Virginia Beach. And then theres schooling, safety, job opportunities, and more, Read More The 20 Best Places for Single Moms to Live in EuropeContinue, Theres more to Wisconsin than cheese curds. The stunning James River actually runs through the city and during the spring, summer and fall months, residents can be seen swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking in it. This is one of the most expensive areas in the state. Monterey is ripe for niche tourism, with beautiful country homes, old churches, nearby hiking trails and the annual Highland Maple Festival, which takes place each March. How to Pack for a Move (Without Going Crazy). If youre interested in staying overnight, book a stay at the Bay View Bed & Breakfast. Folks who live in Norfolk are always pleasantly surprised by the work/life balance that exists in the city. You might look on the Northern Neck, in particular towns like Irvington, Kilmarnock, Montross, White Church. 158,309 16. Staunton is a small town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. Located less than an hour from Washington, D.C., and only 35 minutes from Dulles Airport, it provides a perfect blend of new and old, urban and historical. History buffs cant go wrong with Williamsburg, which is one of the oldest cities in the country. The Best Places to Live By the Beach in the U.S. - Yahoo! News Incorporated in 1810 and named for Revolutionary War hero, General Joseph Warren, this town of less than 10,000 in Fauquier County was listed as the 8th highest-income county in the U.S. according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Famous for its historic charm, young professionals can feel right at home in cozy apartments in old beautifully renovated brick buildings and factories without paying an arm and a leg at an average rent of $1,000 for a two bedroom, Richmond is very doable (especially if youre cool with having a roommate). Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. Best Coastal Cities for Retirement - moneywise.com Not to mention, events like the Neptune Festival bring over 500,000 people to the city every year to spend time outside on Virginias beautiful coastline. (A quick check of the median household income will usually help you determine if you can afford the area.). Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land. The Middleburg Historic District, made up of many beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes the Red Fox Inn. Few people who know Chincoteague Island will argue with this towns reign as one of the best towns in Virginia. However, the competition was fierce to say the least. Next: 10. Nothing to keep you from moving there, but just something to keep in mind as you make your decision. This experience has given me a lot of knowledge in what questions to ask when selecting a mover and how to prepare for a move. What Is The Safest Coastal Town In North Carolina? - CLJ Best Oceanfront Hotels In Virginia Beach. Sign up for travel tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox. It has the seventh-highest median Black household income, at roughly $65,600, and the sixth-highest 2019 Black labor force participation rate, at 78.7%. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. We know. The Most Popular Gifts of 2022. But, Norfolk in particular sports some extraordinarily delicious treats. Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. And so, without further ado, we give you The 15 best places to live in Virginia. Hampton Bays, N.Y. Hampton Bays, N.Y., ranked 160th nationally. Some of these places are very pricey! The 10 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast - Cond Nast Traveler Perfect for: Families who want a safe and affordable place to live or retirees looking for a quiet and beautiful town to spend their golden years. 1. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. The historic town square may only cover six square blocks, but it is home to over 100 shops and restaurants, making Occoquan a small town with big-town convenience. The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia. You can view them all at http://www.capecharlesbnb.com. Best Beach Towns in America - 23 of the Most Charming Beach Towns. And, finally, if youre into great food and craft beer, Norfolk is the place for you. Norfolk is also home to an impressive art scene and to a massive 220,000 square-foot art museum called the Chrysler Museum of Art. Sorry, but our waterfront home, Eagles View, is not pet friendly basically because of the amount of time the dogs would be left alone in the house while their families are at the beach, hiking the trails, eating out, etc. Ocean lovers will feel right at home in beautiful Virginia Beach. Its worth mentioning that every small town in Virginia is worth a visit, so while weve provided a list of some of the best towns in Virginia, its by no means an exhaustive list. The states rich history gives it plenty of attractions to keep retirees busy. Virginia Beach is in Virginia Beach City County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. Me, just bought a teensy spot outside Boydton, n am SO excited not only about that, but the many upcoming adventures both in the County, and Coast feel very privileged to become a Virginia resident, a State with such a rich history and the folks who live here their stateSmiles to you ALL! The Most Beautiful Towns in Virginia - Culture Trip Spanning 70 miles and bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginias Eastern Shore is a coastal paradise. 11 Charming Small Towns You Need to Explore On Your - Washingtonian Named one of the Top 14 Small Cities In Virginia by CitiesJournal, Occoquan sits on the Occoquan River. Oak Island. As you've probably gathered from reading our list of the best small towns in Virginia, the Old Dominion is full of unique attractions. Is Virginia a good place to retire? Home Living like a local The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide). Middleburg. When it comes to recognition, few things could be nicer than to be named one of Americas Happiest Seaside Towns. But thats exactly what Coastal Living called Smithfield in 2015. Beaufort. Living in Norfolk is roughly half of what it costs to live in Washington D.C. A one bedroom spot in Washington D.C. is going to cost you about $2,000, whereas a one bedroom in Norfolk is going run just $1,000/month. 10. Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. Schedule your FREE Retirable consultation today. The state of Virginia as a whole offers an excellent food scene. I spend my free time with my family, hiking, exploring breweries and new restaurants in the area. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. There are so many great cities in Virginia that its a bit hard to make a decision. Los Angeles. Lined with historic homes and buildings, the streets of Lexington retain the beauty of days gone by, making it easy to see why this town has been recognized by both Frommers and CitiesJournal as one of Virginias Best Small Towns. There are plenty of activities, including both a senior center and Southwest Virginia Higher Education Centers College for Older Adults. But with so much to offer, the state has a little something for everyone. The university: Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech, which brings many cultural and economic benefits to the town. The recreation: If you love outdoor activities, youll be in heaven in Roanoke. Topsail Island. Median Home Value: $87,700. Here are the best places to live in Virginia | WAVY.com If you are looking for quaint towns in Virginia put this on your list. Calvert Cliffs State Park #3 in Best Beaches in Maryland Characterized by imposing cliffs that were formed about 10 to 20 million years ago and occupy about 25 miles of shoreline, Calvert Cliffs. 5.9 Job Market. Or just sit in a pub on the water and listen to live music. As such, its important that you pick a place with all the features and amenities that are most important to you. The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide), Be a part of the renaissance taking place in Richmond, Soak up the sun and splash in the waves at Virginia Beach, The Best Neighborhoods for Families in Portland (Updated for 2023), The Best Suburbs in Atlanta (A 2023 Guide), Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Portland (Updated for 2023), The Best Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL (2022), Why Moving is So Stressful (And 3 Things You Can Do About It). Luray, VA. 4,842. The weather: It hardly ever snows here, making it an excellent spot for summer lovers. Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in Virginia. The cities also had to have a population of at least 12,000. For more information, see our Form ADV Part II and other disclosures. Virginia has so many remarkable small towns that singling out one as the most scenic is a bit of a challenge and largely depends on whether or not you're more partial to farmland, mountains, or the coast. Located right on the South Carolina coast, Charleston is a tourist destination with beautiful moss-draped live oaks and gorgeous pastel-colored waterfront homes. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan. Sandbridge Beach 1,472 Beaches By HERE-AND-THERE-302 Excellent parking, good price, super sand, clean beach, great waves, family oriented, bath rooms, shower, perfect day. If you dont like the heat, you may want to consider another town.). There are a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries located in the town center, and its conveniently close to Washington D.C. The 46 Most Quaint and Charming Beach Towns in America For Your Best Vacation Yet. Best Places to Live in Virginia - Ramsey - Ramsey Solutions As the tenth oldest state in the country, youd expect it to have its share of wealthy, sedate centers, and youd be right. 4.9 Net Migration. (But Williamsburg can get quite hot and humid in the summer. oldest continuously operating inns in the U.S. Lexington, Virginia and the Rockbridge Area Tourism / Facebook, reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia. Abingdon, named after Martha Washingtons ancestral home in England, became a town in 1778 and today its historic downtown is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, featuring venues like the historic Barter Theatre, as well as galleries, museums, and markets. Cape Charles is an excellent destination for wildlife lovers, as Kiptopeke State Park isright outside the town. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. Today, art is just as much a part of Richmond as its history is, tattoos can be spotted on hipster skin as frequent as murals on the citys walls and coffee and craft beer flow with as much ferocity as the James River. 7 Best Beaches in Maryland | U.S. News Travel This sleepy coastal town is well known for sport fishing, bringing enthusiasts from around the world to fish in the vast and plentiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean. To see Virginia's other best of the best cities, take a look below. The quality of life: The town has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent schools. It has a thriving economy, excellent schools, plenty of recreational opportunities, and high quality of life. 11 Quaint + Charming Historic Virginia Towns (That You Haven't Visited Virginia is home to many charming beach towns that have small-town American vibes, including Chincoteague, Tangier Island, and beyond. Situated on the border of Virginia and Washington, the vibrant atmosphere of Arlington makes it a hugely attractive proposition to Virginias new wave of bright young things. Now there are small towns and then there are small towns. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginia's best places to live for some. Check out this article that highlights 11 of the most beautiful places to see in Virginia. It boasts the National Wildlife Refuge and cute ponies. Not to mention, it's an affordable place to live on the East Coastthe median home price in Virginia Beach is $262,200, and the median monthly rent is $1,258. Corolla/Currituck Beach. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. Check out our guide to the best places to live in Virginia to offer. "Enjoy the abundant outdoor destinations to relax, exercise, and . The charming downtown area includes art museums and a pedestrian mall, and the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains offer all the outdoor recreation you could want. Where to Stay/Eat: Book a stay at the Charlotte Hotel, a cute boutique retreat in the heart of downtown Onancock. In the past, weve highlighted hidden gems like Chattanooga and Austin as places we recommend calling home for their breadth of opportunity, affordability, hip funky culture and loads of entertainment. THE 10 BEST Virginia Beaches (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Looking for the top place to live in Virginia? Eat at Bills Prime Seafood & Steaks, followed by a few scoops at Island Creamery, ranked the best ice cream in America by TripAdvisor. Hi Rhonda, Im considering purchasing a home in Wachapreague. Best Places 2021-2022 Rank: 42Metro Population: 774,508Median Home Price: $380,374Average Annual Salary: $47,800. The region offers more than 100 golf courses within 30 miles. Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. This is Virginia's only resort island and is considered the most beautiful, providing plenty of space to unwind and explore. Bald Head Island. Despite its tiny size, Bridgewater has more to its name than many towns twice its size, with enough by way of leisure and recreational facilities to keep even the most demanding city slicker happy. If youre trying to decide where to live in Virginia, theres no shortage of appealing options. Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000. The housing and rent is affordable for young professionals raising kids and with being a short drive from Virginia Beach and Washington D.C., youll never run out of things to do with your kiddos. Today, Chincoteague (and sister island, Assateague) is best known for its Annual Pony Swim and Auction but also offers pristine beaches, amazing seafood, boat tours, home tours, and an all-around chilled-out beach town experience.